At just nine years old, Abbie Thomas is becoming something of a seasoned fundraiser.
Next month the South Morang resident will host her third ‘Cuppa for Kids’ tea party in support of the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
As a former patient, Abbie feels compelled to give back to the nurses and surgeons who pulled her through her first three weeks of life, her mother Alice said.
“She spent the first few weeks of her life in the NICU ward,” Alice recalled. “She’s grown up having a strong connection to the hospital and is very grateful for the care she’s received.”
Abbie was born with a condition called diaphragmatic and required a major operation in order to survive.
“It’s now her passion to give back,” Alice said.
For the past few months, Abbie has done the rounds of local shopping centres with her mum and younger sister, Kellie, in a bid to enlist businesses to donate food and drink for the ‘Cuppa’. Last year, her fundraising efforts tallied more than $1200, and Abbie hopes to top that this year when she hosts morning tea at the Meadowglen athletics stadium in McDonalds Road, Epping, on February 15 between 1pm and 4pm.
Businesses including Michel’s Patisserie, Ferguson Plarre, Bakers Delight and Bakers Boutique Patisserie have donated sweet treats and pastries.
There will also be face painting, a silent auction and, of course, plentiful cups of tea.
All monies raised will be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital NICU ward.
Lexi Cottee
